National Express removes double-decker coaches after fears over safety following M4 coach crash

M4 coach crash prompts safety review

05.01.2007

National Express has withdrawn all 12 of its double-decker coaches as a "precaution".

The move was promoted by the coach crash on a slip road on the M4, killing two people and injuring 69. The driver was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A spokesman for National Express said there was no suggestion of any stability problem with the coaches at this stage but wanted to carry out inspections of the vehicles given the seriousness of Thursday's crash.
69 people on coach crash.

Coach crash hospitalised 69 people

Police have confirmed no other vehicle was involved in the incident. 69 people on the coach, including children, were taken to hospital following the crash.

Most passengers, including those fatally injured, were taken to Hillingdon Hospital. Other casualties have been taken to various London hospitals and one in Slough suffering from an assortment of injuries, including dislocated limbs, broken bones and back injuries.

Paul Bunting chief executive of National Express said most of the passengers were going to Glasgow. "It's quite likely there were holidaymakers and certainly some foreign nationals on board as well when the coach left Heathrow," he said.

Double decker coach crash in France - additional concern

Four years ago in France another Neoplan Skyliner was involved in a similar crash in which 28 people were killed. A report by French authorities into the accident at Dardilly, about 250 miles south-east of Paris, recommended that drivers of double-decker coaches should receive special training. It also suggested that the support structures on double-decker coaches be reinforced.

Media Experts

Contact Our Press Office

We've Moved

Thomas Eggar is now Irwin Mitchell.
We have changed our name but we will continue to provide the highest standard of service to businesses and individuals delivered by the same people.
For more information about the merger, please visit the About Us page.